BBQ chicken wings in oven became a household favorite during one unforgettable snowstorm in Asheville. I was craving those sticky wings I grew up eating in Vermont—my dad used to grill them low and slow while the smell of hickory drifted through the yard. But that Sunday? The grill was buried in snow, and dinner had to happen inside.
I dried the wings well, tossed them with spices, and spread them on a baking rack over a sheet pan. Halfway through roasting, I basted them with barbecue sauce and finished them under the broiler. I was shocked—those BBQ chicken wings in oven turned out insanely crispy, with that perfect sticky-sweet finish. My kids devoured them before halftime. Now it’s our go-to recipe.
You can even customize them with any sauce you like. Want a smoky twist? Try these smoked chicken wings that also use a clever oven trick. For a tangy alternative, my chicken and mushroom recipe brings comforting flavor to any weeknight.
Table of Contents
BBQ Chicken Wings in Oven: Crispy, Sticky, and Perfect Every Time
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These BBQ chicken wings in oven are juicy, crispy, and coated in a sticky-sweet barbecue glaze. A foolproof family favorite perfect for game night, dinner, or parties!
Ingredients
2½ lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
1½ tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Pat wings dry with paper towels and let them air dry in fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Mix spices in a bowl, then toss wings until coated evenly.
4. Arrange wings on the rack in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Flip and bake another 20–25 minutes until crispy.
6. Brush wings with BBQ sauce.
7. Broil for 2–3 minutes until sauce bubbles and caramelizes.
8. Serve hot with dipping sauce or your favorite sides.
Notes
For extra crispiness, let the wings air dry in the fridge overnight.
You can double the spice rub and save half for next time.
Always broil with the oven light on to avoid burning the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 wings
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Why oven-baking is the better BBQ method
Grilled wings are great, but not always practical. Frying adds grease and cleanup. But BBQ chicken wings in oven? They hit the sweet spot between crispy and juicy, without the hassle. Baking at 425°F gives the skin that crackly bite. And when you broil them with the sauce, it caramelizes like magic—no grill flare-ups or splattered oil.
Plus, this method saves time. You can prep your wings ahead, bake straight from the fridge, and have dinner in under an hour. If you’re craving something with spice and crunch, don’t miss this Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich dupe—another crowd-pleaser that works oven-side.
How to Bake BBQ Chicken Wings in Oven to Juicy Perfection
Seasoning smart: flavor starts before the sauce
Making BBQ chicken wings in oven isn’t just about the sauce—it’s about the prep. If you want wings that are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, the first step is to dry them well. Moisture ruins crispy skin, so pat those wings down with paper towels and let them air dry in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Once they’re dry, toss them in a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Want a little kick? Add cayenne. For BBQ chicken wings in oven, a dry rub is the base that builds bold flavor under that sticky sauce.
Arrange the wings skin-side up on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. This allows the fat to drip off and keeps the skin from steaming. It’s the secret to crispiness—just like I use when I make my sticky cherry chicken thighs, which also get that craveable golden finish.
Don’t add BBQ sauce yet. Let the wings bake first so the skin crisps up, then baste with sauce near the end for that rich, sticky layer.
Bake time and temp: perfect BBQ chicken wings in oven
To get perfect BBQ chicken wings in oven, set your oven to 425°F. Bake the wings for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides. Once crispy, brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 2–3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and darkens.
This high-temp method works every time. Lower temps like 350°F or 375°F won’t get that crunch without drying out the meat.
If you love high-heat meals, check out my juicy pellet grill chicken breast or this one-pan chicken shawarma sheet pan dinner, both oven favorites.
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs chicken wings, split
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat wings dry with paper towels and let air dry in fridge.
- Mix spices in a bowl, then toss wings in the blend.
- Arrange wings on the rack in a single layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Flip, then bake 20–25 minutes more.
- Brush with BBQ sauce, broil for 2–3 minutes until sticky.
- Remove and serve hot.
BBQ Sauce Timing, Flavor Swaps & Leftover Tips for BBQ Chicken Wings in Oven
When to add BBQ sauce for perfect caramelization
One of the most common mistakes people make when baking BBQ chicken wings in oven is adding the sauce too early. When you apply BBQ sauce at the beginning, the sugars in the sauce burn before the wings finish cooking, creating a bitter taste instead of that sweet-sticky glaze we all love.
The best technique? Bake your seasoned wings until the skin turns golden and crispy—about 40 minutes. Then remove the tray, brush generously with BBQ sauce, and return the wings to the oven under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely. The sauce should bubble and slightly char but never burn.
This final step locks in that deep caramelized flavor, like what you get on grilled wings—but using just your oven. If you’re looking for another bold recipe with a similar finish, these Italian chicken recipes offer herb-packed oven options that crisp beautifully.
Leftovers & flavor variations for BBQ chicken wings in oven
Let’s say (somehow) you’ve got leftover BBQ chicken wings in oven—first, congrats on your willpower. To reheat them, skip the microwave. Instead, place wings on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. This keeps the skin crisp and the sauce intact.
For storage, let wings cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them, but they’re best fresh from the oven.
Want to change up the flavor? Try swapping your sauce. Use honey mustard, buffalo, or even a teriyaki glaze during the broiling step. You can also spice up your rub with cumin, chili powder, or a dash of brown sugar before baking. My air fryer chicken wings follow a similar process and come out extra crispy without oil.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, give these chicken and mushroom combos a try—they’re weeknight-friendly and full of umami.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Wings in Oven for Any Occasion
BBQ chicken wings in oven aren’t just for game day. These saucy, crispy bites fit perfectly into weeknight dinners, backyard parties, and even casual date nights at home. I love piling them high on a big platter, drizzling a little extra BBQ sauce on top, and adding sliced green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
For sides, keep things simple. Coleslaw, oven fries, or cornbread make great companions. My go-to? A quick salad and crispy potato wedges. And if you want something lighter, serve these wings with roasted veggies or a cool cucumber salad.
Want to add more heat or contrast? Try pairing with a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the spice. These wings also shine in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and a little extra sauce.
For a sweet finish, pair your wings with a refreshing drink or something unexpected like this candied salmon appetizer—it brings a surprising balance of sweet and smoky.
Whether you’re serving them hot from the oven or reheated the next day, BBQ chicken wings in oven are always a crowd-pleaser. They look great on a platter, hold up well for sharing, and disappear fast. Add toothpicks or small plates, and you’ve got the ultimate finger food ready to impress.
FAQs About BBQ Chicken Wings in Oven
How long do you cook BBQ chicken wings in the oven?
To cook BBQ chicken wings in oven, bake them at 425°F for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through to get even browning. Once they’re crispy, brush them with barbecue sauce and broil for another 2–3 minutes. This gives the wings that perfect sticky finish. Be sure not to overcook or they’ll dry out.
Do you put barbecue sauce on wings before or after cooking?
Always apply the barbecue sauce after baking but before a quick broil. Adding BBQ sauce too early will cause it to burn due to the sugar content. Bake the wings first, then baste with sauce and broil until caramelized. That’s how to get perfect BBQ chicken wings in oven without ruining the flavor.
How long do you cook chicken wings in the oven for?
Uncoated, un-sauced chicken wings typically bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 425°F in a standard oven. If you’re not adding BBQ sauce, you can bake them straight through. For BBQ chicken wings in oven, always finish with a 2–3 minute broil to lock in that sticky glaze.
Should chicken wings be baked at 350 or 400?
Between 350°F and 400°F, go higher. Baking BBQ chicken wings in oven at 425°F ensures the skin gets crispy and the inside stays juicy. Lower temps will work, but they’ll require longer bake times and may not deliver the same crunch. For the best texture and flavor, stick to high heat + broil.
Conclusion: BBQ Chicken Wings in Oven Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
If you’ve ever doubted whether oven-baked wings could rival the grilled kind, let me assure you—BBQ chicken wings in oven are just as crispy, sticky, and satisfying. With the right prep, high heat, and a quick broil, you can create wings that are juicy inside, caramelized outside, and totally crowd-worthy.
Whether you’re making them for a big game, a cozy dinner, or a Friday night feast, this method is foolproof. It’s fast, affordable, and fits into real-life schedules—no grill or fryer needed.
Still hungry? You might also love my easy chicken biryani recipe for something aromatic and comforting or try these crunchy chicken nuggets in air fryer for a kid-approved side.
I hope this guide gave you everything you need to make your next batch of BBQ wings your best yet. Don’t forget to get a little messy—it means you did it right.
For more check this BBQ Chicken Wings
